HomeAnti-RacismRacism alleged as Indigenous children taken from families – even though state care often fails them

This is not unusual. Indeed, it is an increasingly frequent occurrence. Between 2015 and 2018

Racism alleged as Indigenous children taken from families – even though state care often fails them

on: May 14, 2019

Racism alleged as Indigenous children taken from families – even though state care often fails them

Racism alleged as Indigenous children taken from families – even though state care often fails them

This is not unusual Indeed, it is an increasingly frequent occurrence. Between 2015 and 2018, the number of Māori babies removed by the state increased by 33%. In 2018, the removal rate was 102 per 10,000 Māori births, compared to 24 per 10,000 births for the rest of the population

Investigative journalism, intervention by the midwives’ professional association, Māori health advocates and the child’s iwi (tribe), Ngāti Kahungunu, brought this representative story to light The baby boy was, on the strength of limited evidence high risk” child. His parents were allegedly afflicted by domestic violence, poor parenting skills and transient housing arrangements. These allegations had not been heard by a court, and it appears his wider family and midwives had already arranged supported accommodation for him and his mother. Plans seemed to be in place to mitigate whatever risks he may have faced Yet the state which is already the subject of a royal commission of inquiry into the abuse of children in its care, was insistent. It could do better. Its child welfare agency, Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children, is under deep scrutiny for racist social work practices But it insisted it knew what to do.